Mass for the Memorial of Saint Blaise and Blessing of Throats

The Saint

St. Blaise was a Bishop and Martyr from the first half of the 4th century Sebastea, Armenia. He is venerated for his holiness by both Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians. Saint Blaise was known as a good bishop who cared for the physical health and spiritual life of his people.

The Tradition of Blessing Throats

The tradition of the blessing of throats comes from a belief that as St. Blaise was being taken to prison (to be martyred for his faith in Christ) a mother came with her young son who had a fish bone lodged in his throat. At the saint’s command the child was able to cough up the bone.

The Practice

Every year for the memorial of St. Blaise Catholics who with maladies of the throat or who depend on their throats for work, come to have them blessed by the priest. Teachers and singers especially come to receive a blessing for this celebration.